19 incredible Italian restaurants in Riyadh to dine in at
Get ready to twirl some pasta…
Good Italian food is some of the most sought-after cuisines in Riyadh. Pizzas, pasta, polenta; we want it all. And Italian restaurants in Riyadh come in spades.
Whether you’re looking for more upscale restaurants or a laidback spot to chill with your friends, this list has you covered.
Get ready to say “ciao” to the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh.
II Barretto
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London’s II Baretto set up shop in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District. The cool Italian restaurant is a firm favourite among Riyadh diners. The Italian restaurant offers a menu of dishes authentic to the region which can be enjoyed in either the main dining area as well as on the outdoor terrace.
II Barretto, KAFD 5.08 KAFD, 2822 – 6591, daily 12.30pm to 11.20pm. @ilbarettosa
Azzurro
Looking for a fine-dining spot for Italian food in Riyadh? Well, it doesn’t get much finer than The Ritz-Carlton. Overlooking the indoor swimming pool, the restaurant is led by an Italian chef from Sardinia. The menu usually features seasonal ingredients to create modern dishes. Try out the balsamic pappardelle served with lamb jus and foie gras, and if you’re feeling spendy, try out the Royal Pizza for SAR700.
Azzurro, The Ritz-Carlton, daily 7pm to midnight. @ritzcarltonruh
Bal’harm
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Located in As Sulimaniyah, Bal’harm serves fuss-free Italian cuisine in the casual and modern dining area. Menu highlights include the new Penne Arrabbiata and the signature Ravioli Di Cammello. You can also sip on mojitos like the Rise of Etna and the Mix Berry.
Bal’harm, King Mohammed V Street, As Sulimaniyah, Sat to Wed 1pm to 1pm, Thu to Fri 1pm to 2am. @balharm.sa
Eataly
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Opening in Riyadh back in November 2016, Eataly is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in the world and in the city too. Dig into everything from cheesy pasta dishes and pizzas to delicious meat, fish, and vegetable recipes, as well as delicious fried treats.
Eataly Riyadh, Al Malik An Nasir, As Sulimaniyah, daily 8am to midnight. @eatalyarabia
La Rustica
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Proudly calling itself the first Napoletana pizzeria, La Rustica currently has two branches in Riyadh, in Olaya and the Diplomatic Quarter respectively. This is where you want to go for a top-tier pizza in the city. Try out the Buratta, Margherita and the Bresola too. Don’t forget to save room for dessert and try out Italian desserts like Tiramisu, Cannoli and the signature Crème Brûlée.
La Rustica, Wadi Al Artawi St, Al Olaya and Diplomatic Quarter, Sun to Wed 1pm to 12.30am, Thu to Sat 1pm to 1am. @larustica_sa
Roma Restaurant
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One of the oldest Italian restaurants in Riyadh, Roma Restaurant has been open in the capital since 1991. Say hello to homemade pasta and tortellini, pesce and pizza too, plus dessert too.
Roma Restaurant, Shubah Ibn Al Hajjaj, Al Olaya, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. @romarestaurant.ksa
Serafina Italian Restaurant
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Categorised as a Northern Italian restaurant, Serafina Riyadh is known for its casual-cool setting and creative twist on homestyle Italian fare. The venue is originally from New York and comes from two friends Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, cheese-wheel pastas are all the rage here, so don’t forget to grab your cameras too.
Serafina Riyadh, The Esplanade, King Saud University, daily Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thu 1pm to 1am, Fri 1.30pm to 1am. @serafinaksa
San Carlo Cicchetti
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After an award-winning Italian restaurant experience? The first San Carlo Cicchetti opened its doors as a passionate family business in 1992 and represents dishes from all around Italy. Try out the Bresaola, Ravioli Burrata, and Beef Short Ribs too.
San Carlo Cicchetti, Sulaymaniah, daily Sat to Wed 1pm to 1am, Thu to Fri 1pm to 2am. @cicchettisaudi
Mamo Michelangelo
At the mere mention of Mamo, how could one not get excited about a meal prepared by a restaurant that promises a long tradition of Italian hospitality and Provençal charm with every bite it serves? Mamo’s signature offerings include their flavourful veal Milanese, the fresh truffle pizza and the burrata salad. What we love the most is the restaurant’s charming interior – the perfect setting for a five-star dining experience—using old materials from Italy and Provençe to create an authentically elegant ambience.
Mamo Michelangelo, Al Faisaliah Hotel (South Wing), daily 12.30pm to 3pm, 7.30pm to 11pm, Tel: 920 000 874. @mamomichelangeloksa
Cipriani
For those who enjoy timeless Italian classics, Cipriani is a must-visit. With its glass chandeliers, blue and white terrazzo patterned floor, high gloss oak tables and bespoke blue leather chairs, diners can tuck into authentic Italian cuisine, showcasing Venetian dishes presented with a modern touch. Pasta and pizzas aside, there’s also a mouth-watering veal brisket on the menu that’s oven-roasted to achieve a delicate texture and served with mashed potatoes.
Cipriani, Exit 2, 6927 Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Hittin, Riyadh 13512, daily 1pm to 12.30am. Tel: 011 277 6700. @ciprianiriyadh
Signor Sassi
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Signor Sassi, an Italian restaurant housed in a grand villa in the middle of Sulimaniyah (where you’ll find a plethora of other high-end restaurants), exudes elegance in every nook and cranny. The décor is elegant, with beautiful, grand interiors and colourful florals that make for super chic surroundings. Recommended menu items include thin cutlets of tender veal scallopini, which work perfectly with the zingy butter-lemon sauce in this light Italian dish. Plus, you simply can’t have Italian cuisine without pasta, so a simple but classic penne arrabiata is also a top option, plus the burrata and deep-fried baby calamari are excellent starters.
Signor Sassi, 2605 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thu to Fri 1pm to 1am. @signorsassiriyadh
Agio
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Located at The Canopy, Amalfi Coast-inspired gem Agio is Riyadh’s love letter to the coastlines of the Mediterranean. The Italian restaurant is the latest endeavour by Modern Food Company, a major player in the lifestyle and fine dining arena in Saudi Arabia.
Agio, The Canopy, Northern Ring Rd, Hittin, daily 1pm to midnight. Tel: 9200 13860. @agiosaudi
Morini
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Located in what we think is one of the coolest boutique hotels in Riyadh, Morini is a New York-style Italian restaurant. The fine-dining venue pays tribute to the authentic and rustic cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and the outdoor area where you’re dining surrounded by gorgeous colourful flowers and gazing at amazing views of the city.
Morini, Jareed Hotel, Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Road, Hittin, Exit 2, daily 7am to midnight. @moriniriyadh
Carbone
Known for its star-studded clientele and its unique take on American-Italian cuisine, Carbone is inviting you to enjoy an experience that pays homage to New York’s Italian-American restaurants from the mid-20th century. The food nods to that same history but takes culinary cues from the great talents and techniques of the present and future.
Carbone, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, daily 7pm to 12.30am. @carbone.riyadh
Crazy Pizza
Thin, blistered, decadent, and cool – that’s the way of the yeast-free pizza at Crazy Pizza. And if you still haven’t checked out its new space in the Diplomatic Quarter’s Oud Square, you’ll love the mix of local Arabian architecture and modern, rich brick-coloured exterior.
Crazy Pizza, Diplomatic Quarter, Oud Square and As Sulimaniyah, daily noon to midnight. Tel: 9200 07275. @crazypizza.saudi
Finzione
If you’re after Authentic Napoletana in Riyadh, this is the place you want to go. While the name could throw you off a little (finizone roughly translates to ‘sham’, ‘or ‘pretence’), we just assume that it means it’s criminal how good these slices are.
Finzione, Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Malqa, daily 1.30pm to 1am. @finzione.sa
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Founded way back in 1870, the original L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is known as one of the oldest and most amazing slices in Naples. The popular spot invites people in with it its rustic charm and top-tier pizza options which include tartufo, burrata and bresaola.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, U Walk, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, King Saud University, daily 1pm to midnight. @damichele_sa
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